17 Jan 2022
Both Melbourne and the state of Victoria have recently welcomed a wide variety of unique accommodation options that are ready to receive Brits with open arms when borders re-open. From the new Melbourne Docklands boasting Australia's highest infinity pool to Metung Hot Springs' upcoming glamping units in Gippsland, Melbourne and Victoria have the perfect accommodation to cater for future visitors to the state.
MELBOURNE
Opening in 2022
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (opening June 2022)
One of the most famous luxury hotel brands is coming to Melbourne in June this year. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will be located on levels 64-80 at West Side Place, presenting breath-taking panoramic views across the city and surrounds as guests check in at the Sky Lobby. The hotel will have 257 guest rooms and 13 suites, a signature restaurant, destination bar, spa and wellness centre.
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/australia/melbourne
Recently opened
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands (opened November 2021)
The first five star hotel in the Melbourne Docklands area opened its doors in November 2021. Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands offers 189 rooms; four restaurants, including Archer's, serving Australian fare with flair and provenance; and a rooftop bar called 'Sunset House'. However, the star of the new hotel is its infinity pool, which is Australia's highest. Located on the 15th floor of the building with submerged pool beds and an adjoining cocktail bar, the 28-metre infinity-edge swimming pool has incredible 200-degree views over the Melbourne skyline, adding a great experience to a city already known for taking visitors to new heights with its amazing range of rooftop bars and sky-high experiences. The venue also boasts Australia's first M Club, a luxurious private lounge where visitors can work or relax in peace.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/meldl-melbourne-marriott-hotel-docklands/
Oakwood Premier Melbourne (opened December 2021)
The Oakwood Premier brand has made its Australian debut with the opening of its first properly in Melbourne in December 2021. Located at the crossroads of Southbank, South Wharf and South Melbourne Oakwood Premier Melbourne is set in a 40-storey new development that offers 132 luxury hotel rooms and 260 serviced apartments, all kitted out with the latest innovative and sustainable technology. The property also features a restaurant, Fifth, showcasing Modern Australian cuisine; meeting facilities; and co-working spaces. To top it all off, the hotel's rooftop sky bar offers a spectacular vantage point over the city.
https://www.oakwood.com/australia/melbourne/premier-melbourne
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer (opened December 2021)
Art meets design at the new Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, Accor's second Mövenpick hotel in Australia. The new property features 172 stylish rooms and suites covering floors 1-6 of Melbourne's Premier Tower, an iconic skyscraper whose design paying homage to the human form was partially inspired by a Beyonce music video. Inside the building, the hotel displays pieces by some of Melbourne's premier photographers, including Steve Scalone and Sean Mcdonald. Facilities at the hotel include an onsite gym, heated pool and sauna; Mövenpick Café showcasing its famous ice-cream (free for children 12 years and under); and its signature Asian restaurant, Miss Mi.
Recently refurbished
Rendezvous Hotel (re-opened December 2021)
Melbourne's Rendezvous Hotel has been a vital part of Melbourne's skyline since 1913 – and one of Australia's finest historic hotels. A multi-million dollar refurbishment has seen the property upgrading its iconic lobby, restaurant and 320 rooms - bringing it right up to the level of luxury required nowadays without sacrificing any of its elegance and historic feel. The emphasis of the revamp was placed on increasing the amount of natural light in the building. The latest technology has enabled to install 3D printed trompe l'oeil wallpaper and new digitally printed carpets. Re-opened in December 2021, Rendezvous Hotel a located on Flinders Street, a three-minute walk from Flinders Street Station overlooking Melbourne's scenic Yarra River.
https://rendezvousmelbourne.com.au/
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins (re-opening March 2022)
The hotel, located in Melbourne's CBD, is currently undergoing a 15 million dollar refurbishment of its 360 rooms, due to be completed in March 2022. The rooms of Sofitel Melbourne On Collins are famous because of its views over the Yarra River and Port Philip Bay. The current revamp will bring a new colour palate and state of the art fixtures to ensure the property's minimalist styling remains as sleek and modern as possible. Whilst the embrace of the French style is a key part of the Sofitel brand, the hotel also aims to stay true to its Melbourne home, by using local produce and displaying a rotating set of art exhibitions from local artists.
https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au/
REGIONAL VICTORIA
Opening in 2022
Metung Hot Springs (opening spring 2022)
Metung Hot Springs plans to open its new wellness destination in Gippsland by spring 2022. Offering beautiful views over the Gippsland Lakes, the spa facility will feature seven geothermal pools, with water drawn from over 500 metres beneath the earth's surface; ten glamping units, each equipped with a private geothermal barrel for use on the deck and floating' saunas over their natural freshwater lagoon. Metung Hot Springs promises to be the new sport to kick back, relax and reconnect with nature.
https://www.metunghotsprings.com/
Recently opened
Cassis Red Hill (opened November 2021)
Cassis Red Hill is an intimate collection of five luxuriously appointed villas in the heart of Red Hill, on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, famous for its elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Each of the private villas have an expansive outdoor deck or garden with their own private mineral plunge pool or outdoor concrete bath. All include ensuite bathrooms, luxurious king size beds, kitchenettes, a generous dining area and cosy lounges – everything needed for a coastal wine country escape.
https://www.cassisredhill.com.au/
Frankie, Jude & Orla (opened November 2021)
Peerick Vineyard, in the relatively unknown Pyrenees wine-growing region of Victoria, is now home to three new tiny homes, called Frankie, Jude and Orla. Teaming up with unyoked, a company offering unique off the grid experiences, each of the tiny houses is fully equipped and located on a different part of the estate. While guests may have to hike 15-20 minutes to get there, the spectacular views and sense of wild seclusion are worth it.
https://unyoked.co/results/Melbourne
Jean-Claude (Van on a Dam) (opened November 2021)
Those looking for a true nature and wildlife experience should look no further. The gloriously named Jean Claude (Van on a Dam) is a lovingly restored 1970's York caravan that sits atop a dam in Ballarat, in Victoria's Goldfields region. The caravan offers a king size bed with luxurious French linen and cosy seating for reading plus air conditioning and heating. The shack houses the bathroom, kitchenette and a BBQ for some bush cooking.
Rutherglen Convent (opened May 2021)
Rutherglen Convent offers unique group accommodation in a thoughtfully restored building that was once a boarding house, school and convent. Located in the heart of the Rutherglen wine making district, the property features 11 bedrooms for over 20 guests, with rooms spread out across two floors. Rutherglen Convent is positioned within 550m of the main street, so guests will be spoilt for choice with cafes, bakeries, wine bars and pubs all within walking distance.
